January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
Cotton "duck" miners' jeans with buckle-back and rivets in almost new condition. An important pair of pants, circa 1890s. Best explained by Lynn Downey the company Historian for Levi Strauss & Co. for 25 years, and the author of the award-winning book, Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World.
"I was asked for my comments on these pants. These 'waist overalls' likely date from the early 1890s and are of brown duck fabric, one of the two preferred mid-late 19th century fabrics for work clothing. The other was denim, which eventually overtook duck in the production of workwear by the early 20th century. These pants are a rare find and a prized collectible among workwear collectors, especially in this barely worn condition. Eureka is a lesser-known label than Levi Strauss & Co., Boss of the Road, Stronghold, and other period brands. This pair is distinguished by its intact and legible linen label, its single back pocket with arcuate-type pocket stitching, riveted fabric reinforcements, very early buttons, and in a very wearable size. A slighter older pair of brown duck waist overalls, in less pristine condition, sold for approximately $100,000, to my knowledge".
Eureka is the state motto of California and comes from the Greek meaning 'I found it!' -- a reference to Archimedes' experiments with gold, and the California Gold Rush."
The waist on these measure at 34" and the inseam measures 30".
Item Dimensions: 43 - 12" L.